Weekly Player to Watch, 11th Edition

I cannot believe that we have already reached the regular season finale. I get so excited when college football starts and then it pains me deeply when it ends. Despite the setback last week at Nevada, Boise State has a lot going for them for the remainder of this season, including the bowl game, and for years to come. The final game of the season pits the erratic Utah State Aggies against our beloved Boise State Broncos on The Blue. According to reports, the Broncos are focused, having fun, and ready to play this game. That is good to hear. Tomorrow will be extra special because it is senior day. We will say farewell to 18 student-athletes who have been part of the most productive and winning classes in Boise State history. Tom Scott on ktvb.com has a great tribute to the seniors as well as staggering numbers and statistics for what they have accomplished in their 4-5 years on The Blue.

Today's Weekly PTW will be different. I am going to honor this great group of seniors individually. I will mention each one by name and share a fun fact about them. They are in alphabetical order. Please enjoy!

Austin Pettis

Boise State record holder for most career catches and most touchdowns in a season. Enough said. He will be sorely missed.






Brandyn Thompson

Named Defensive MVP of the Fiesta Bowl after nabbing 2 interceptions (one of them was a pic-six) and tipping another pass that Winston Venable intercepted to seal the victory. Also, he's my little sister's favorite player.



Daron Mackey

His career has been hampered by knee injuries, but Mackey has contributed when he is on the field. He is aggressive and ferocious out there.






Derrell Acrey

Acrey is a vocal team leader, pumping up his teammates before each game. This includes when he was a redshirt freshman at the first Fiesta Bowl. "The Preacher" is a fitting nickname for him.





Jarvis Hodge

Has a really good time mowing down defenders in mop up time. I enjoy watching him as well!







Jason Robinson

Was the key factor/player in calling the fake punt against TCU in the Fiesta Bowl.







Jeremy Avery

This little guy runs tough and has the moves to fake out defenders. Even when he was relegated to a back-up, he kept his head up and returned to the backfield as happy as he could be. Jeremy is a great player and is very underrated in Boise State history.



Jeron Johnson

Jeron hits really hard. I mean really hard. He is ferocious out there. Just ask Russell Hill.







Kevin Sapien

Also part of the offensive line last season that yielded a mere 5 sacks. His shoulder injuries sidelined him for good, but is used as a coach and mental leader.





Kyle Brotzman

Kyle has scored 425 career points. That is most in Boise State and WAC history. He is also closing in on the record books for most in NCAA history. Just remember the fake punt against TCU. It was beautiful!




Matt Slater

Another anchor in the Boise State offensive line that gives up very few sacks. He is also on the all-WAC academic team, so he's a smart kid as well.





Mike Coughlin

Mike was named Scout Team Offensive Player of the year for Boise State in 2006. He has been a huge leadership factor and model for Kellen Moore and the whole team.





Ryan Winterswyk

Transformed from a walk-on safety to a multiple-year first team all-WAC selection and all-WAC-Decade selection. That is amazing. He is one of the true leaders on defense.





Sean King

Sean is a local kid from Timberline High School, living the dream with the Broncos.







Titus Young

Boise State record holder for most receiving yards. Second for most receptions (behind fellow senior Austin Pettis). He is also the fastest freaker I have ever seen on a football field. Welcome to the NFL Mr. Young!




Tommy Gallarda

Tommy's one-handed catch for a touchdown against Virginia Tech was the sickest thing I have seen in a really long time.






Will Lawrence

Will started all 13 games last year. You know, the offensive line that only gave up 5 sacks, which was the lowest total in the nation!






Winston Venable

Basically, he's a beast. He plays very physical and even finds time to intercept the ball on occasion. I like him a lot!






Let's send off our seniors with a loud round of applause on Saturday and wish them the best as they move on. I hope that all of them get to start as well. Make sure you check back in on Sunday for my take on the game against Utah State. Let's go Broncos!